Member profile - Tanya's Story

So why did I join PTR?

Well, let me give you some background first. Just going to put it out there. I suffer from depression, I have never been diagnosed with it, but I know I have it. I have had it since I was 12. Majority of times I am very good at covering it up and pretending I am all good during the times when I am not, but some days I can’t. I have been running on and off for about 12 years and it is quite reflective on my mood. When I am up I run lots, when I am in a bad place I don’t run. In December last year I was sent on a downward spiral. I hit rock bottom when I misunderstood something someone said. It forced me to a place I never want to be again. I ended up writing something stupid on Facebook. It got the attention of a friend who was and is still a member of PTR. She talked me into coming along and running with the PTR gang which I will be forever grateful for. It was pouring with rain and rather windy, but I knew I had a choice of either sitting at home by myself contemplating life or getting up and going for a run.

I chose the run. I was a million miles slower than everyone else but Johnny ran with me. He was so friendly and talked the whole way. Running slower then walking pace didn’t seem to bother him. Everyone was so nice and made me feel like I was part of PTR family right from the beginning.

When I went to the Two Bays trail run I was quite nervous about going up to the PTR guys, but I didn’t have to worry as they saw me and called me over and once again made me feel like I belonged.

I have been a member now for 6 months and have improved my running massively. I am now a lot faster, can run up hills and run further distances. I have completed my first ultramarathon (60km Wilsons Prom) and am in training to do my first 100km run (Surf Coast Century) all thanks to PTR.

Better then all that though is I can now say and feel like I am part of the PTR family.

Tanya